Full Guide: Factory Reset Windows 10 from Control Panel

Understanding Factory Reset on Windows 10

A factory reset is a powerful feature in Windows 10 that restores your PC to its original, out-of-the-box state. This process removes all installed applications, personal files, and settings, which can resolve various system issues. Factory resetting from the Control Panel is a straightforward method to accomplish this.

Why Factory Reset Windows 10?

⚡Resolve Software Issues: Fix problems caused by software conflicts, malware, or corrupted files.
⚡Enhancing Security: Malware and spyware can be deeply embedded within your system files, making them difficult to remove with standard antivirus tools.
⚡Preparing for a Fresh Start: Whether you're upgrading to a new PC or repurposing your existing one, a factory reset ensures that all personal data, applications, and settings are completely removed.
⚡Simplifying Troubleshooting: When facing complex system issues, a factory reset simplifies the troubleshooting process by eliminating the myriad variables that could be causing problems.
⚡Regaining Storage Space: As you install and uninstall applications, update software, and download files, your system storage can become cluttered with residual files and data.

How to Factory Reset on Windows 10

Factory resetting your Windows 10 system can resolve various issues, restore performance, and prepare your device for new users. Below are detailed steps to factory reset your Windows 10 PC using different methods.

Solution 1: Using Control Panel

1. Press Win+R to open the Run dialog. Type Control Panel and press Enter.

2. Select "System and Security." Click on "Security and Maintenance." and Choose "Recovery" from the left-hand menu.

3. Click on "Get started" under the "Reset this PC" section. Choose either "Keep my files" or "Remove everything," depending on your preference.

4. If you select "Remove everything," you will have the option to clean the drive. This is more secure if you plan to sell the PC.

5. Review the settings and click "Reset." The process will begin, and your PC will restart several times.

Tips:
Backup Your Data: Ensure you have a backup of your important files before starting the reset.
Power Source: Make sure your PC is plugged into a power source to prevent interruptions.

Solution 2: Using Advanced Startup Options

1. Open the Settings app. Go to "Update & Security" > "Recovery." Under "Advanced startup," click "Restart now."

2. After restarting, select "Troubleshoot." Choose "Reset this PC."

3. Select "Keep my files" or "Remove everything." Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Solution 3: Using Windows Installation Media

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. Create a bootable USB drive or DVD.

2. Insert the installation media and restart your PC. Press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu (usually F12, Esc, or Del).

3. Select "Repair your computer" from the installation screen. Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Reset this PC."

Bonus: Factory Reset Windows 10 Without Losing Data

When your computer gets a virus or slows down, a factory reset can help. However, this process involves copying files and reinstalling apps and the operating system, which can be time-consuming. To avoid these issues and prevent data loss, it's best to make regular backups. AOMEI Backupper Standard is a free, highly recommended backup software that allows you to set up automatic backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

With incremental backup, only the changed data is saved, so it won't use much space. Once you've created a system or disk backup with AOMEI Backupper, you can restore your system anytime. This will bring your computer back to a point where it is working properly.

AOMEI Backupper is compatible with all laptops and desktops running Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista, and XP. Download this free software and try it out.

>> Create a system backup:

1. Select System Backup. Other options like Disk Backup, Partition Backup, and File Backup are also available to suit your needs.

2. The system partitions will be selected automatically. Choose where to save the system image, such as an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.

Options: Customize settings like compression level, backup mode, image splitting, comments, and email notifications.
Backup Schedule: Set up automatic backups based on daily, weekly, monthly, and event triggers, or USB plug-ins. In the Pro edition, you can enable automatic backup cleanup in the Backup Scheme to auto-delete older backups.

3. Click Start Backup and wait for the process to complete.

If your PC fails to boot, go to the Tools tab and create a recovery media. This can be used to boot a crashed PC into WinPE for further backup and restore.

>> Reset the System to a Previous State Without Data Loss::

Using system backups, you can resolve system problems by restoring your computer to an earlier state. If your backups are on a removable device, connect it and ensure it is recognized.

1. Choose either Select Task or Select Image File to locate your system backup.

2. Select Restore this system image and click Next. If you want to restore Windows to a different location, check the "Restore system to other location" box and specify the target path on the next page.

3. After the above steps, click Start Restore.

If you're restoring a system image created on a different computer, check the Universal Restore option (available in the Pro edition) to ensure the system boots properly after restoration.

FAQs About Factory Reset Windows 10 from Control Panel

Q 1: How long does it take to factory reset Windows 10?

A 2: The time required can vary depending on your system's specifications and the reset option chosen. Typically, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

Q 2: Can I cancel the reset process once it has started?

A 2: It's not recommended to interrupt the reset process as it can lead to system corruption. Ensure you are ready to commit to the reset before starting.

Q 3: How can I recover my data after a factory reset?

A 3: If you backed up your data before the reset, you can restore it using the backup software or external storage device you used.

Tips for a Smooth Factory Reset

1. Backup Regularly: Use backup software like AOMEI Backupper to create regular backups of your important files.
2. Update Drivers: Ensure all your drivers are up to date to prevent compatibility issues during the reset process.
3. Check for Software Conflicts: Uninstall unnecessary or conflicting software to avoid issues that might necessitate a reset.

Conclusion

Factory resetting Windows 10 from the Control Panel is a straightforward process that can resolve many system issues. By following the solutions provided in this guide, you can effectively reset your PC and restore it to optimal performance. Remember to use reliable backup solutions like AOMEI Backupper to protect your data and prevent future problems. With careful preparation and the right tools, a factory reset can be a smooth and beneficial process.